West Covina Backyard Fire Regulations Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

West Covina adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments and falls within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which regulates all wood-burning activities in the South Coast Air Basin. Recreational fires — defined under the California Fire Code as outdoor fires used for cooking, warmth, or ceremonial purposes with a fuel area no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height — are permitted in residential backyards subject to specific safety requirements.

All backyard fires must be contained within an approved fire pit, fire ring, outdoor fireplace, or chiminea. The fire container and its flames must maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from all structures, fences, overhanging tree branches, and any other combustible materials. A means of extinguishment — such as a garden hose connected to a water supply or a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating — must be within immediate reach at all times while the fire is burning. Fires must never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished, with no remaining embers, before the responsible person leaves the area or goes to sleep.

Wood-burning backyard fires in West Covina are subject to SCAQMD no-burn day orders under Rule 445. On designated no-burn days, which the SCAQMD issues based on air quality forecasts primarily during fall and winter months, all wood burning is prohibited — including in outdoor fire pits, chimineas, and fire bowls. Before starting any wood fire, residents must check the day's burn status at AQMD.gov or by calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG. Gas and propane devices are exempt from no-burn day restrictions.

Open burning — including burning trash, cardboard boxes, yard clippings, leaves, construction debris, and any other waste material — is prohibited at all times throughout West Covina as a densely urbanized area within Los Angeles County. The West Covina Fire Department enforces backyard fire regulations and can be reached at (626) 939-8436.